Mobile app platform allows for code-free development on iOS

The service lets users build simple forms-based apps from their iPad or iPhone, with an Android version promised

Startup vendor iGenapps unveiled on Wednesday a do-it-yourself mobile application development platform, which enables users to assemble programs right on their devices and link to a cloud back end.

Users can build essentially forms-based applications without programming, according to iGenapps, which announced its self-named platform at the Demo conference in Santa Clara, Calif. It is available now for Apple's iOS devices; an Android version is expected in a couple of weeks. "Our target market is small to medium [businesses that] can't afford $50,000 to build their own native app," said John Morris, iGenapps chief marketing officer.

But applications developed with iGenapps are limited in complexity. "At a certain point, the complexity gets to a place where you have to go do something different. But for the target market we have, it's perfect," said Morris. In addition to smaller businesses, clubs and schools could use iGenapps, he said.

Applications are distributed to users via an email link. iGenapps is selling its tool for $1.99 on Apple's App Store. The company will host applications for customers for $99 in commercial settings. The technology leverages Sencha's application development technology. Although users do not need any programming skills, knowledge of HTML or JavaScript will help them enhance their applications with further customization.

There are plenty of "do-it-yourself" mobile apps services available, such as Apps Builder, Conduit Moble, Didmo, and Tiggzi. But they typically provide a cloud-based development tool that generates the usually Web-based application in a native wrapper.

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